Michigan Confronts Surge in Nitrous Oxide Use Fueled by Easy Access to Whippets
Michigan is seeing a rising problem with nitrous oxide (whippets), as large, easily accessible canisters sold at gas stations and shops lead to more people experiencing numbness, weakness, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Emergency room visits and EMS calls for nitrous oxide injuries surged from 2019 to 2023, with continued increases through 2024–2026. Health officials warn of serious risks including vitamin B12 inactivation, brain and nerve damage, and psychiatric effects, despite 2024 bans on devices that facilitate inhalation and a 2025 FDA advisory. Experts call for better screening in medical settings and stronger restrictions on nitrous oxide sales.
